What’s that popular saying? It’s always the quiet ones who are always up to the most. Marcia Fernandes, a professor at the Art of Institute of Fort Lauderdale remembers the unassuming way Rose-Gaelle Pierre trotted into her fashion merchandising class at the Art of Institute in Fort Lauderdale. “She was a quiet student who sat in the back corner,” recalls the instructor. “At times I didn’t think she seemed interested, but when I called on her she always knew the answer.” The professor also recalls that once when she offered extra credit opportunities, Rose-Gaelle was the only who showed up.
It’s this tenacity and desire to always stand out that led the fashion school student into creating her own fashion and accessories line G’s Addiction. Less than three years old after the fashion accessories line launched, it’s the talk on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. But more importantly, off-line the line’s founder is making moves. Rose-Gaelle has more drive than a high energy car with biofuel. G’s Addiction success hasn’t exactly surprised Christele Felix, Rose-Gaelle’s cousin and friend. “I knew her back when making bracelets and other handmade trinkets for her friends were a hobby she enjoyed on her free time,” Felix notes. “I’m glad that with the encouragement of her friends and family, and with courage and sacrifice, she decided to pursue this as a career.”
G’s addiction is cool tees. G’s addiction is sexy anklets and charming bracelets. “To me, Gaelle’s style is fun and flirty,” observes Felix. “She favors bright young, energetic colors and patterns. This style is an extension of her energetic and hard-working character.”
Hard-working—that she is. On social media, the fashion entrepreneur is constantly “about it”—managing orders, attending events, vigorously marketing herself, and maintaining a strategic presence on vital social media platforms.
“I’m proud of what she’s accomplished so far,” says Felix, “especially in terms of establishing her brand and putting herself and her brand out there for the world to enjoy.” Professor Fernandes sees a well-lit tunnel when she thinks of G’s Addiction and its founder. She says: “I see Rose-Gaelle being able to achieve what she wants in life as she puts the work in to accomplish her goals.” Professor Fernandes is not alone in her assessment. Kerry Szymanski—another one of the designer’s professors—only sees a rosey future for her: “I see a very bright future ahead of her. She is very bright, creative and talented. She was a beacon of light and knowledge in my class and I know she’ll go far in her career.”
Kreyolicious: Hi Ga. You’ve been up to lots of great things since we last chatted. What’s the latest with your accessories and clothing line G’s Addiction?
Indeed, I have been working relentlessly to come up with new stuff. As of now, all my accessories coming out in spring-summer will have the innovative new G’s addiction tagged charms proving my authenticity and originality. My clothing line also offers new items: our newest edition of the G’s Addiction t-shirt is available for preorder. It’s a cool arrangement of black and white on camouflage design. And even more interesting, my products will soon be available for direct purchase in Haiti! I am working in collaboration with a local store to make this dream of mine come true.
Kreyolicious: That’s awesome…And you’re also working with some musical groups to further their brands, correct?
Yes. I am currently working as a designer for Kreyol La. I produced their most recent band shirt. Most recently, I was privileged to work on the upcoming hit band Akoustik new logo and more collaboration is to be expected between us. The customers are always very satisfied with my work, and I am looking forward to pushing G’s Addiction even further in the Haitian musical scene.
Kreyolicious: It’s one thing when you’re coming up with pieces for your own line, but when another entity—a musical act is involved…how do you go about doing the collaboration?
Well, I am privileged to be working with responsible professionals—which makes my the collaboration easier, but also more challenging. I usually have deadlines and a bigger quantity to produce—therefore it takes me more time and dedication. So what I do, is I stop whatever I may be doing personally to focus on the project at hand. One step at a time—always.
Kreyolicious: What do you like most about these collaborations?
These are bands and people whose company I enjoy! It always makes work easier and less tedious when you know people respect you, appreciate your talent and believe in your potential.
Kreyolicious: As a fashion entrepreneur, you’re constantly on the move, and you constantly have to deal with a lot of stress. How do you deal with difficult times and difficult situations?
I would like to say there’s a secret or a recipe to deal with stress and all the craziness that surround this job but there really isn’t! I get stressed very often…Whether it is in creation or just in handling and juggling between my life and my work I find it always good to sometimes just stop everything and take a breather…It’s always good to [replenish] ourselves with positive energy in order to move forward.
Kreyolicious: Have you come across any inspiring books that have helped you in your journey that you’d like to recommend to others who’d like to follow your path?
I am not much of a big reader…not because I don’t like [reading], but because it’s hard to adjust my schedule to do so. I mostly get inspired by my teachers and the classes that I take as a fashion merchandiser/ I always try to apply the concepts to my brand and take their examples. The Secret by Rhonda Byrne also inspired me a lot. But I think everyone who read this book came out a changed person !!
Kreyolicious: Where do you get your strength and your determination from?
My friends, my own dreams and will to make a name for my brand—but more importantly—I get my determination from my customers. I have such loyal and supportive customers always asking for more always congratulate me and raising me up that I can’t afford to let them down! That’s why I work harder so everything I create tops the one that came before it.
Kreyolicious: In everything, one has to deal with criticism, sometimes well-meaning, sometimes not. How do you deal with the latter?
I have to say I am also blessed to be very talented at what I do—so I don’t often get mean-spirited critics. But when I do, I just brush it off and take those negative vibes out of my life! I am not one to let the words or actions of people bring me down.
Kreyolicious: At this point, would you do anything different in your journey as an entrepreneur?
I feel like I’ve learned a lot, and that I am just starting! Sure I wouldn’t mind changing some stuff from the past but either way everything I did good or less good led me to where I am today. So, I feel pretty good about where I am now and I have faith in my future as an entrepreneur.
[All images furnished by subject.]
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